By Alexandre Terrigeol
The warm weather is gradually settling in, and even though snow still covers parts of the Côte-Nord region, the signs of spring are unmistakable. One of the most remarkable among them: the arrival of migratory birds! From March to June, millions of birds cross through Quebec on their way to their breeding grounds.
Tracking migration... through technology
Did you know that it’s possible to track bird migration using radar data? This is exactly what François Gagnon explored in his Master’s thesis in 2008, a study that led to the publication of three scientific articles. Since then, this method has seen significant growth, particularly in the United States.
Thanks to tools like BirdCast, it is now possible to track migration in real-time and predict the nights when bird passage is most intense. And yes, most migrations happen at night! Unfortunately, thousands of birds will never reach their destination due to collisions with windows and the ever-increasing issue of light pollution. Fortunately, simple actions can make a huge difference: turning off unnecessary outdoor lights at night and adding visible markers to your windows can save lives.
A warm welcome for the Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Among the most anticipated species in spring, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird holds a special place. This tiny winged jewel, capable of traveling thousands of kilometers from Central America, returns every year to brighten our gardens. Thanks to thousands of volunteers who report their sightings to Hummingbird Central, it is now possible to track the arrival of various hummingbird species observable in North America, day by day.
To welcome them properly, set up a feeder filled with a mixture of sugar water (1 part sugar to 4 parts water, or 3 parts water in spring, without any coloring) by the end of April. And most importantly, make sure to clean and change the solution regularly (every two days) to prevent the growth of mold, which can be harmful to these little visitors.
Embark on a journey to discover migratory birds
This year, join our birding trips for a unique opportunity to observe boreal birds in their natural habitat. Accompanied by an ornithology expert, you’ll explore both the region’s iconic bird species and its remarkable landscapes. For instance, in late April and early May, the Short-eared Owl often steals the show, alongside stunning sea ducks displaying their vibrant breeding plumage.
Throughout the remainder of May, warblers become one of the most frequently observed bird groups along the North Shore. From May 5 to June 6, our reverse migration monitoring program will be active every morning. This project aims to deepen our understanding of this unusual phenomenon, marked by massive bird movements that can reach up to 200,000 individuals in a single day.
Things you can do at home to help migratoy birds:
- Turn off the lights between 9 PM and 6 AM, especially on clear nights in spring.
- Add visible stickers or patterns to your windows (Feather Friendly) to prevent collisions (space them 5 cm o less appart).
- Plant native species! Native flowers attract insects, which are a vital food source for many migratory species. fallen leaves are aso essential for helping them find insects.
- Clean feeders and birdbaths regularly, at least once a week, and every two days for birdbaths in the summer, to prevent the spread of diseases.
- If you find an injured birds, call SOS Braconnage if it is a bird of prey. If it is a songbird, you can contact one of the following rehabilitation centers: Le Nichoir (Hudson), SOS Miss Dolittle (Saint-Henry-de-Lévis), or Refuge Pageau (Amos).
And for more information…
- Birdcast: Nighttime migration forecasts, interactive maps, real-time data.
- Birds Canada: Birdathon, information, conservation projets, and citizen science programs.
- QuébecOiseaux: Grand défi, information, conservation projets, and citizen science programs.
- Suivre la migration par radar météo: Facebook page of Pascal Côté for nighttime migration forecasts.